Identify that…

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, MX…In most of North America we have been led to believe that miscellaneous noise of all types is not a welcome thing. Subsequently, in the States, there are a numerous regulations in place to define all categories of noise and to minimize the impact on the population, or more specifically, us!

Overall, these regulations restrict the “production” of noise by, humans, animals, machines, and insects. We control the decibels allowed, the time allowed, where, when and how (allowed). And that includes the source – dogs barking, cat’s meowing, people talking-singing-playing, birds singing/squabbling, cows mooing, kids playing, “boom boxes” booming, cars, trucks, buses, airplanes, trains, industrial machinery, and on and on – the list could continue for pages.

As an expat living almost full-time in Mexico, my wife and I are continuously adapting to the customs and lifestyle of Mexico, including becoming familiar with its rich and complex history, much of which serves as the foundation for today’s Mexico. Living in Mexico also gives expats a chance to slow down and enjoy life. An endearing quality of Mexican culture is the tendency to accept people for who they are. Mexicans are usually very forgiving of foreigners who butcher their language, as long as they put in the effort and wear a smile.

My Mexican neighbors work hard, live hard, and play hard. Everything that surrounds them (and us) is “loud” – loud colors; loud voices; loud music; loud vehicles; loud playing (adults and niño’s); loud partying; loud firework displays for any reason, etc. For example, consider the joyous sounds of niño’s playing soccer in the street in the evenings – often with their fathers and uncles and the mothers sitting on chairs and cheering them on – with shouts of gooaaallll; a local niño’s birthday party with a Inflatable Jump-O-Lene in the street; a neighbors outdoor party complete with mariachis, or following a death, the 8 days of Novena (held in the street to provide for guests); the harrumphing of a motor-cycle’s engine to announce the miscellaneous beau arriving to pickup his evening date; the occasional mailman (PV has 7 to serve 300K persons); people laughing loudly as they frolic in there swimming pool(s); baby’s expressing themselves; the impatient tooting of an auto’s horn by a driver who upon returning home found somebody parked in front of the garage door, and, the sounds of vendors plying their wares – whistles and shouts of aqua announcing purified water at least 3 times daily; trucks announcing LP gas; the flute of the knife sharpener; the produce vendor with loudspeaker announcing today’s selection , the fresh fish vendor (at 7 AM) announcing today’s catch, entrepreneurs shouting or singing (needs lessons) their presence; the guy selling pan (bread) and honey carrying it all on a huge tray balanced on top of his head; and , the flower/plants vendor pushing his merchandise in a wheelbarrow. Can you say USA, 1930/40’s?

Now let’s add to this mix the more natural sounds found throughout urban Mexico, especially us who live immediately next to a large wooded green area. In our case that would include the barking of neighborhood dogs, or their “howling” in response to the electronic announcement of the LP gas vendors, the conversations held by the two burros who live in our greenbelt, three large chicken size Plain Chachalaca’s (often erroneously referred to as a Mexican Wild turkey) but whose name comes from its loud, raucous calls; the bird chatter of Steller’s Jays, Big Tailed Grackles, Green Parrots, House Wrens, Great Kiskadee’s (with their single note call), groups of Blue-Black Grosbeaks, Chickens (roosters and hens), Doves, and many more birds than I can identify. And don’t forget the “besos” (geckos) that come out after dark and make their kissing sound (thus their nickname).

Even though some regulation of people generated noise would be welcome, this is the way it is in our adopted land …and we love it!